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State of the University Address - Spring 2016

Interim President John P. Pelissero, PhD, addressed students, faculty, and staff at his State of the University addresses on Monday, February 8, and Tuesday, February 9. For those who were unable to attend the events in person, or watch the live stream on February 9, we have posted video of the Lake Shore Campus address above. To view the interim president’s PowerPoint presentation, click here.

Below are some highlights from his address:

Spring and Fall 2016 Enrollment — Enrollment of new freshmen and transfer students for the spring semester increased by 7 percent over last year. Overall undergraduate enrollment has increased by 2 percent, while graduate enrollment has decreased by 2 percent from last spring. Fall 2016 recruitment reflects very strong interest, with nearly 22,000 applications to date.

Tuition and Financial Aid — Undergraduate tuition will increase by 4 percent and housing rates will increase by 2.5 percent for the 2016–17 academic year. The University continues to focus on slowing increases in tuition and fees and keeping Loyola accessible to all students—next year Loyola will make $175 million of financial aid available to students. Interim President Pelissero also highlighted the importance of MAP grants for Loyola students and encouraged the community to get involved with the #MAPMatters campaign.

Focus on Diversity and Inclusion — Interim President Pelissero discussed calls for action at universities across the country to address underlying issues related to racism, diversity, and inclusion. Loyola has been actively listening to the concerns of students, faculty, and staff of color to better understand and address these issues on our campuses. The interim president listed several initiatives connected to better recruitment, retention, and support of a more diverse student population, and detailed new initiatives, including the recently launched Diversity and Inclusion website, plans for a climate survey this spring, and more. The University’s diversity leadership was also highlighted, which includes Cabinet members Winifred Williams, PhD, who serves as the University’s chief diversity and inclusion officer and history professor Christopher Manning, PhD, who has been appointed special advisor to the president on race and diversity. To achieve our collective goals, the interim president spoke about the importance of respecting the many important campus conversations that are taking place on these important issues.

Union Activity — Interim President Pelissero provided an update on the recent union activity and emphasized that while University leadership’s preference is to maintain a direct relationship with the faculty, he respects the faculty’s right to organize, and the process toward a collective bargaining contract will begin.

Progress on Plan 2020 — Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago has 146 students enrolled for the college’s third term this spring and is looking to bring in a class of 180 students this August. The interim president highlighted additional success realizing the Plan goals, including the development of two health disparities conferences, the launch of the Center for Criminal Justice Research, Policy, and Practice, and the opening of a new community and family services clinic on Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus.

Campus Safety and Security — Interim President Pelissero provided an update on safety initiatives and invited the campus community to the State of the Neighborhood forum (held February 16). The forum included Joe Moore, 49th Ward alderman; Roberto Nieves, commander of the 24th District, Chicago Police Department; Shawn Sisk, CAPS sergeant; Thomas K. Murray, director of campus safety and chief of police; and others discussing crime, particularly in the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods, and brainstorming new initiatives to ensure the safety and security of all our students, faculty, and staff.

Questions regarding the addresses can be directed to Lorraine Fitzgerald at lsnyde2@luc.edu or 312.915.6400.